Fireproof partition.



Patented Feb. l9, l90l.

W. N. WIGHT.

FIREPROUF PARTITION.

IAyplicafion filed Apr. 14, 1900.}

(No Model.)

V-JINVENTOR;

: By A 170771836,

wlllm WITNESSES.

FFQE.

WILLIAM N. WIGHT, OF'NEW YORK, N. Y.

FIREPROOF PARTITION.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 668,366, dated February19, 1901.

Application filed April 14:, 1900. Serial No. 12,840. (No model.

To all whom, it may concern:

Be it known that I, WILLIAM N. WIGHT, a citizen of the United States,residing in the city, county, and State of New York, have inventedcertain new and useful Improvements in Fireproof Partitions, of whichthe following is a specification.

This invention relates to partitions, and is particularly applicable towhat are known as dry-set partitions, or those laid up without cement.

In the common form of dry-set partitions it is'customary, in lieu of theusual mortar connection, to interpose a plate between each two adjacentcourses to form a longitudinal bond,

and to bend up lips, tongues, or flanges from such plate, which engagethe opposite faces of the blocks or grooves in the blocks to form atransverse bond. My invention provides an improved dry-set partition inwhich the individual blocks may be drawn into alinement, whereby thepartition may be accurately trued before the plaster coating is applied.The means I employ for accomplishing this result comprises a clampconsisting of two oppositely-arranged braces which engage the faces ofadjacent blocks on opposite sides and which are adapted to be drawntoward each other by a suitable connector, preferably a wire tie. In itspreferred form each brace comprises a light flexible metal frame, whichis best made of two or more lengths of wire or rod of suitable thicknessand suitably connected or joined together. I prefer, as heretofore, toemploy a longitudinal bond or metal plate, but dispense with the flangesformerly used, so that the blocks forming the partition may be drawninto alinement with such bond and the partition thereby truedl I utilizeone or more of such plates to increase the height of the partition byforming such plates with corrugations and interposing them between thecourses, either alternately with fiat plates or at such intervals aswill bring the partition to the required height.

In the drawings, in which I have illustrated several embodiments of myinvention, Figure 1 is a perspective view of a partition in course ofconstruction. Fig. 2 is a detail perspective view showing the preferredform of clamp.

Fig. 3 is an elevation of a modified construction of brace. Fig. 4: is asection on the .line 5 5 in Fig. 5, and Fig. 5 a section on the line 6 6in Fig. 4 of a modified construction of partition.

In the drawings let A indicate the wall or partition, which is chieflyformed, as usual, by series of superimposed blocks B, arranged incourses in such manner that each course breaks joints with the twoadjacent to it, according to the well-known method of construction.Between each two courses is interposed a plate C, which serves as alongitudinal bond and which is bent at its ends to form a flange D, bymeans of which the plate is nailed or otherwise secured to the end wallsor partitions. The plates C are preferably of the same width as thethickness of the blocks B and serve when connected to the blocks B byclamps E to hold each course in proper position. At the top in Fig. 1and in detail in Fig. 2 I have shown the form of clamp E which I preferto employ. This preferably comprises two braces e, which are connectedtogether by a connector or tie 6. (Best shown in Fig. 2.) In thepreferred construction each brace 6 comprises a light flexible openframe, of metal, which may be made by welding four short lengths of wireof suitable thickness, so that the resultant frame is approximatelyrectangular in form. Each brace should be of sufficient size to engagethe faces of three adjoining blocks-that is, each brace will engage ablock of one course at the middle and two adjacent blocks of the nextcourse at their ends. By the flexibility of the brace its firm contactwith the three adjacent blocks is insured, notwithstanding variation inthickness of the blocks. The form of brace shown in Fig. 2 isexceedingly efficient, while light and durable. The connector or tie 6'may be of any suitable form,

so long as it is adapted to be adjusted to drawthe braces 6 toward eachother. As shown in Fig. 2, this tie comprises a single piece of wirebentat its middle and passed around one of the members of the brace e andextending across the plate 0 to the opposite brace e, to which it isconnected by twisting the ends of the wire, shown at f. It is a r i ldesirable that each tie should be twisted at f in order that it mayfrictionally engage the brace to hold it in its proper position beforethe partition is trued. In practice the clamps E are furnished to thebuilder with their ties 6 so adjusted that the blocks B may easily passbetween the braces, and they are preferably placed at each joint in thepartition when the successive courses arelaid.

In constructing a wall or partition according to my invention the firstcourse may be laid as shown and the plate C laid along the upper edgesof the blocks and fastened to the end walls by its flanges D, whereuponthe clamps E-may be placed at each joint and the second course laiddirectly over the ties 6. Thus course after course may be laid up. Thusfar the blocks are but loosely connected and liable to displacement. Thebraces e of each of the clamps E are now drawn toward each other bytwisting the endsf of the ties 8, so that the latter are put undertensile strain and draw the edges of the adjacent blocks, together withthe plates 0, into alinement. When each clamp has been so adjusted, theindividual blocks are not only alined, but each block is bou nd firmlyto the four adjacent blocks and to the longitudinal plates 0 above andbelow it. By this means an exceedingly strong and durable partition ismade in which the partition without the aid of cement constitutes apractically integral structure. Another practical advantage is that thepartition may be rapidly built up without regard to precise alinement ofthe blocks and quickly trued with ordinary pliers. My invention securesthe additional advantage that the braces 6 when in place upon thepartition present portions which extend outwardly of the face of theblocks, so that a space is formed behind the braces which forms anexcellent bond for holding the plaster, thus securing all the advantagesof metallic lath.

In the form of clamp shown in Fig. 2 two ties e are preferably provided,each connecting the two opposite vertical members of the brace e, asshown.

It will be noted that in the plates 0, I disso pense with the flanges orlips heretofore used,

as these would serve no useful purpose, but, on the contrary, mightinterfere with .the truing of the wall.

While I prefer to use the clamp E constructed as shown in Fig. 2, yetthis feature of my invention is susceptible of many modifications.

At E in Fig. 1 I have shown a single tie econstruction but one tie 6will be used to connect the two opposite braces. Such a clamp may bearranged as at F, although better results may be obtained by arrangingit as shown at F.

An efficient and durable clamp may be constructed of expanded metal bydividinga strip of the latter at the points indicated by dotted lines inFig. 3, thus forming a light open framework, of metal, which may beconveniently utilized as a brace. A brace thus formed may extendvertically or longitudinally, as shown at G or G, respectively, inFig. 1. In either case two ties e are employed, as shown.

At H in Fig. 1 Ihave shown the braces as consisting of metal rings,which may be stamped from sheet metal or otherwise constructed in anywel-known manner.

While I prefer that a separate clam p should be employed for each jointof the partition, yet good results may be obtained by em ploying asingle continuous clamp extending the entire length of a course. Such aclamp may otherwise conform to the construction shown at E, which ispreferred, or those shown in the modified forms. Thus at E Fig. 1, Ihave shown aconstruction which corresponds to the preferred form and atF a construction which corresponds to the form shown at F. The form ofclamp corresponding to that shown at G may be conveniently constructedby connecting two strips of expanded metal (such as shown in Fig. 3) bysuitable connectors or ties. With any of these last-mentioned modifiedforms the braces may be connected together at such intervals as may bedesirable and when in place aredrawn up in the same manner as beforedescribed.

It sometimes occurs that the height of the ceiling is such that withagiven size of block a space too small to accommodate an additionalcourse would be left. My invention provides a means for avoiding thenecessity in such casesof usinga block of reduced size for the lastcourse. This means comprises a plate 0', which, as shown, is, corrugatedthroughout its entire length and when in position between two courses isadapted to increase the distance between their adjacent faces. By usingalternately the plates 0 and C, or as many of the latter as may be foundnecessary, the height of the wall may be adjusted so as to correspondwith the height of the ceiling. When such a plate is used, the ties 6may conveniently be passed between the corrugations ot' the plate.

It is sometimes desirable, particularly with thin partitions, to useblocks of half the thickness of the partition. In this case each coursewill comprise two rows laid side by side. My invention is well adaptedto such a construction, which is illustrated in Figs. 4and 5. I haveshown the form of clamp shown at H in Fig. 1. The plates C or O arepreferably as wide as the thickness of the partition, as before.

I claim as my invention the following-defined novel features,substantially as hereinbefore specified, namely:

1. A clamp for partitions comprising two braces each consisting of anopen frame, and a tie connecting said braces.

2. A clamp for partitions comprising two braces,each consisting ofaflexible open frame and a tie connecting said braces.

3. A clamp for partitions comprising two braces, each consisting of anopen frame of metal, a tie connecting said braces,and means foradjusting the length of said tie.

4. A clamp for partitions comprising two braces, each consisting of aflexible frame of metal, and a tie connecting said braces adapted to beadjusted to different tensions.

5. A clamp for partitions comprising two braces, each consisting of anopen frame of metal, and a wire tie connecting said braces.

6. A clamp for partitions comprising two braces, each consisting of anopen frame of metal, and a wire tie connecting said braces comprising aplurality of strands engaging both said braces, and adapted to betwisted at one end to vary its tensile strain.

7. A clamp for partitions comprising two braces, each consisting of abroad member adapted to engage the faces of two blocks of one course anda block of an adjacent course, and having a part for engaging a wiretie, and a wire tie engaging such parts.

8. A clamp for partitions comprising two braces, each consisting of anopen frame, and a tie for connecting said braces, said tie connected toone of said braces between the upper and lower parts of said brace, sothat the latter may be held in position during application of saidclamp.

9. A clamp for partitions comprising two braces, each consisting of anopen frame, and a wire tie for connecting said braces, said tieconnected to one of said braces between its upper and lower parts, sothat said brace may be held in position during application of saidclamp.

10. A clamp for partitions comprising two braces, each consisting of anopen frame, and a wire tie connecting said braces, said tie twistedabout one of said braces and adapted to be twisted about the other ofsaid braces to vary its tensile strain.

11. A clamp for partitions comprising two connected braces, eachconsisting of a broad member adapted for engaging two adjacent blocks,said braces so formed as to leave a, space behind them when adjusted inposition so as to form a bond for the plaster.

12. A clamp for partitions comprising two connected braces eachconsisting ofan open frame the individual parts of which extend indifferent planes, whereby when the clamp is in position spaces are leftbetween the latter and the partition.

13. A clamp for partitions comprising two braces each consisting of anumber of lengths of wire connected to form a frame, and a tieconnecting said braces.

14. A clamp for partitions comprising two braces each consisting of anumber of lengths of wire connected to form a frame, and ties connectingsaid braces, each comprising two strands of wire engaging one of saidbraces, and adapted to be twisted at one end about the other of saidbraces.

15. A partition comprising a series of blocks, having braces uponopposite sides thereof, each comprising an open frame, and a connectionbetween oppositely-arranged braces.

16. A partition com prisinga series of blocks having braces uponopposite sides thereof, each comprising a flexible open frame of metal,and a connection between oppositelyarranged braces.

17. A partition comprisinga series of blocks having braces upon oppositesides thereof, each comprising an open frame of metal and a wire tieconnecting two opposite braces.

18. A partition comprisinga series of blocks having braces upon oppositesides thereof, each comprising a broad member engaging two blocks of onecourse and a block of an adjacent course, and having a portion aboutwhich a wire tie may be passed, and a wire tie engaging such portions oftwo opposite braces.

19. A partition comprisinga series of blocks having braces upon oppositesides thereof, each com prising an open frame engaging two blocks of onecourse and a block of an adjacent course, and a connection between twooppositely-arranged braces.

20. A partition comprising a series of blocks having braces uponopposite sides thereof, each comprising a wire frame engaging two blocksof one course and a block of an adjacent course, and a connectionbetween two oppositely-arranged braces.

21. A partition comprising a series of blocks laid in courses,longitudinal plates interposed between the adjacent courses, andoppositelyarranged braces adapted to be drawn toward each other forbringing said blocks and plates into alinement.

22. Apartition comprisingaseriesofblocks having braces upon oppositesides thereof, each engaging two blocks of one course and a block of anadjacent course, a wire tie between each two oppositely-arranged braces,longitudinal plates interposed between the adjacent courses, and meansfor adjusting such ties to draw said blocks and plates into alinement.

23. A'partition comprising a series of blocks having braces uponopposite sides thereof, each comprising a broad member adapted to engagetwo blocks of one course and a block of an adjacent course, andconnecting devices between opposite braces, whereby the blocks areclamped together, said blocks and braces IIO In witness whereof I havehereunto signed my name in the presence of two subscribing n witnesses.

WILLIAM N. WIGHT.

Witnesses:

ARTHUR O. FRASER, GEORGE H. FRASER.

